ICA Member Profile: Howard Neu

Howard Neu is well known within the domain industry as the co-founder of the T.R.A.F.F.I.C. conference and a lifelong public servant who has also dabbled in motion pictures and media.

Howard has been an long-term political and legal force, working on many presidential and congressional campaigns. He also produced and hosted a Miami television talk show, “South Florida Speaks” for ten years, a Radio Talk show for three years and was an actor in numerous movies and stage musicals.

He has been a potent civil litigator, one who jumped into the online arena at the outset, defending notable and sometimes notorious clients.

Profile Questions

Tell us a little bit about your background and your personal story.
See DNJournal Cover Story May, 2009.

How did you get involved in the domain industry?
As an attorney, I represented a client who was in the Adult Web Industry who gave me my introduction to domains in 1998. I also met Rick Schwartz at that time and successfully defended claims agains him even before the UDRP was established and also represented the infamous John Zuccarini in Federal Court on a number of occasions. One such ruling established that Typosquatting was subject to the AntiCybersquatting Consumer’s Protection Act of 1999 (ACPA). Along with John Berryhill and Ari Goldberger, I actively responded to legal questions on DNForum and Rick’s private chat board. In 2004, we founded T.R.A.F.F.I.C. as the first non-adult convention for domainers.

What is your current role?
The Law Office of Howard Neu, P.A. represents many domain investors in defending UDRP and ACPA Claims against them. As owner of MalpracticeAttorneys.com, I forward active medical malpractice claims to a number of attorneys in various states throughout the U.S. As Registrant of approximately 1,200 domains, I am actively buying and selling domain names. As President of The Domain Conference, we are looking forward to our next show in the Fall of 2017.

Why did you choose to support the ICA?
I have supported the ICA since its inception and have provided at no charge booth space and speaking time at T.R.A.F.F.I.C. Conferences and THE Domain Conference for the last 16 years.

Can you share a prediction about the future of the domain industry?
Between new gTLD activity and mergers and consolidations of established Domain Industry companies, I see continued growth of this very niche industry and expansion.

What do you like most about the domain industry?
The warmth and friendliness of domain investors and the feeling of “family” especially at THE Domain Conference.

If you could change one thing about the domain industry what would it be?
To get ICANN to understand that Domain Investors are not Cybersquatters, but rather hard working individuals who invest the hard-earned money in the hopes of getting a good return on their investment.

What do you think are some of the biggest challenges the domain industry is faced with?
Same answer.

What do you wish other people knew about the ICA?
That Phil Corwin does a yeoman’s job in representing the interests of every individual and corporation that earns income from the industry.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about joining the ICA?
“Do it!”

What unexpected doors opened for you because of your involvement in the domain industry?
It changed my entire law practice and way of life.

What’s the best advice ever received (domain related or otherwise)?
Follow through on your dreams and ideas and make them become a reality.

What are your main interests outside of the domain industry?
Broadway Musicals, theater, Movies, professional and amateur sports, travel.

Favorite place to get away:
A cruise to anywhere.

Anything else you’d like to share:
If anyone needs help in any domain transfer or litigation, please contact me. I’d be happy to help.

The views expressed here are the personal views of the member and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ICA.